Newsmaker of the Week // Jeff Gordon

Since he burst upon the racing scene as a pre-teenager, Jeff Gordon has excelled.

 And when his career began at NASCAR’s upper echelon, Gordon became an instant star.

 Wins and championships seemed to come easily to a driver who outran those previously up front often.

 Along the way, Jeff Gordon changed racing. Parents at quarter midget tracks nationwide imagined their progeny as ‘the next Jeff Gordon’.

 Now, as was announced this past week, Gordon will retire from full time Sprint Cup drivimg. He may race a little, he may become a commentator and he is said to have a proprietary interest of some sort in Rick Hendrick.

 Jeff Gordon will never go away.  His influence has been felt at every level.  He won so often that his recemt victories didn’t make news.

 His retirement has. Jeff Gordon, soon to be retired race car driver, is Area Auto Racing News Newsmaker Of The Week for its edition of January 27, 2015.